A considerable number of Knox County voters responded to two interesting county races in the August Primary.

“Knox County had a 34.73% voter turnout, which is a little higher than the average state turnout,” said Knox County Clerk Debbie McCurren. “Voter interest generally increases when there are contested races.”

Incumbent Mike Kite will represent the Democratic party in the November election for Knox County Sheriff with 513 votes countywide, defeating Debbie Kincaid, who collected 61 votes. Robert Becker will represent the Republican party garnering 268 votes over Terry Bowen’s 88 votes. Kite collected the majority of votes in the contested race for Sheriff and was favored in all precincts except Hurdland and Novelty.

In the race for Eastern District Commissioner, Democrat Terry “Red” Callahan came out on top with 189 votes. He will face Republican Rhett Hunziker in the November election, who collected 150 votes. Patsy “Pat” Parsons received 39 votes; Phil Gragg, 91, David McCabe, 24; and Gene Devlin, 34. Callahan garnered the majority of votes in each precinct included in the eastern district.

Current Western District Commissioner Terry Marble, collecting 187 votes, was unopposed in the Primary.

Democrat Gary Mayer topped Republican Anita James with a total of 460 votes to James’ 343 votes for Knox County Assessor. They will compete in the November election, as well as candidates for Knox County Coroner Jeff Doss and Keith Spory. Republican candidate Keith Spory’s 258 votes were overcome by Democrat candidate Jeff Doss’ 524 votes.

Incumbent Public Administrator Kathy J. Poore was the lone candidate with 491 votes.

Kenny Hulshof will represent the Republican party in the November election for Governor with 334 votes countywide, defeating Scott Long, 14 votes; Sarah Steelman, 23; and Jennie Sievers, 2. The Democratic party will be represented by Jeremiah W. Nixon who conquered Daniel Carroll with 437 votes opposed to Carroll’s 84 votes. Libertarian candidate Andrew W. Finkensta collected one vote. Garnering the majority of votes was Nixon, favored in Edina, Baring and Absentee. Hulshof was favored in Hurdland, Newark, Novelty and Knox City.

Democratic candidate for State Representative District 1 Keri Cottrell garnered 441 votes to Republican candidate Brian Munzlinger’s 337 votes. They will face-off in the November election.McCurren added, “For the second consecutive election, Knox County was the first county in the state to report in with finals. I am very proud of that.”

According to McCurren, the Missouri Election Youth Participant Program was a huge success. “The evaluations I have received so far have been excellent,” said McCurren. “The students were eager to learn the process and were a great help at the polls and in the office on election night.”

“I am very proud of our election workers. They are dedicated and eager to participate in the election process. It is challenging sometimes to keep up with all the laws and regulations set by the state. Again, I want to stress the importance of election workers. We are in need of workers in the Newark, Knox City and Baring precincts. The pay is $100 and $125 plus mileage. It is a long day,” admitted McCurren, “but it is not hard work.” Please contact the County Clerk’s office, if interested.